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Total is set to become the first big oil company to explore for shale gas in
Britain, in a boost for government efforts to create an American-style
fracking boom on UK soil.

The French energy group has long been interested in investing in the UK’s
shale reserves, particularly since the company is shut out of its home
market, France, which has banned fracking.

The coalition government has made the exploitation of Britain’s unconventional
gas reserves a priority, with the offer of tax breaks to shale developers.
Total will announce a deal on Monday to join a shale gas exploration licence